AR-15 Optics

AR-15 Optics

AR-15 Optics

AR-15 style rifles are currently being manufactured by many of today's top firearms manufactures. There are an enormous amount of choices in available AR-15 rifles, from new calibers, stock selection, tactical accessories, after market parts, and now optics. Several well respected optics makers have started producing rifle scopes intended for use on AR-15 rifles. These can be broken down into three basic categories: close quarters scopes, mil-dot scopes, and dial-in scopes.

Close quarters scopes - are generally the low power magnification models, often times with a 1-4x magnification range, and are generally designed for use inside about 200 yards. The low magnification provides a wide field of view which aides in quick target acquisition at close ranges. Often time these models will feature an aiming reticle that is suited for these situations, and while this might not be ideal for longer more precise shots, it does aid in quick close range shots.

Mil-dot scopes These scopes have hold-over marks that are calibrated to a .223/5.56 NATO round. Each dot represents a specific yardage distance, often in hundred yard increments. The shooter simply determines the distance to the target and places the dot that corresponds with that distance directly on the target. The center crosshair is often standard and sighted in for 100 yards; then directly below are a series of dots corresponding to distances, i.e. the first dot represents 200 yards, the second dot represents 300 yards and so on. Usually, these dots extend all the way out to five of six hundred yards.

Dial-in scopes These scopes generally have a standard style crosshair, but feature an elevation dial that has been specially calibrated for the .223/5.56NATO round. When using this type of scope, the shooter determines the distance to the target and then turns the elevation dial to the corresponding distance and places the crosshairs directly on the target. These scopes generally have setting for out to five or six hundred yards as well.

Holdover vs. Dialing In The mil-dot method has a couple of advantages; the first being is it is generally quicker than the dial in method as there is no need to make any adjustment to the scope, just put the correct dot on target and pull the trigger. The second advantage is that tracking is not an issue. Tracking is the ability of a scope to move the precise adjusted amount and also return to zero when dialed back. Cheap scopes have a reputation for poor tracking, so to get a dial-in scope that tracks properly be prepared to spend some money. The Dial-In method also has its advantages over the hold-over method. First, since the shooter centers the crosshair on these models to make the shot; they have a better peripheral view around the target which means they can more easily see if their target is safe to shoot at. Next, dial-in scopes usually allow for more precise adjustments, with yardage increments much smaller than the standard one hundred yard increments of a mil dot scope.

All in all - the current selection of AR 15 scopes on the market has never been better. Major optics manufactures are offering quality optics designed especially for the AR shooter with models for the up close and personal and models for shooting all the way out to 600 yards.

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